As a small Central European and Mediterranean country, Croatia has a lot to offer – untouched nature, urban beauty, breathtaking views, more than 1000 islands, and above all, interesting cuisine rich in flavours and aromas!
Croatian cuisine has intertwined roots – in the past, it was influenced by many countries, cultures, and civilizations. On that basis, Croats developed an interesting cuisine of a unique combination of ingredients, herbs, and seasonings.
Since summer is here, I want to present the best beauties of Croatia and its coast and islands to you. In order to do so, we need to combine natural beauty, amazing cultural and historical heritage, and traditional cuisine with a touch of wines – let’s talk about 5 places on the Croatian coast that offer you breathtaking sights and amazingly delicious gastronomy!
Istria
Istria is a Croatian peninsula and it is often described as a perfect place for foodies. Istria combines a diversity of natural beauties from the snow of the nearby mountains, green fields, plateaus, and valleys, to the beautiful landscapes with vineyards and olive groves, and the blue shades of the endless Adriatic sea. Istria truly has it all and it will seduce all your senses.
Besides the natural beauty, Istria has an amazing cultural and historical heritage which can be seen in numerous sights, museums, and churches, as well as in those small stone-paved streets which are perfect for exploring and wandering. Some of the must-visit towns in Istria are Rovinj, Pula, and Poreč.
Rovinj is a beautiful picturesque town that combines colourful buildings and houses with small, narrow streets, amazing architecture, and ancient spirits. Rovinj is a medieval place with a well-preserved old town which is simply breathtaking. To really meet the town, you must visit the 18th-century Baroque Cathedral of St. Euphemia, Baroque Balbi’s Arch, relief of the Lion of St. Mark which is the symbol of Venice, and just get lost in the streets which have a beautiful mix of architectural styles such as Baroque, Neoclassic, Renaissance, and Gothic.
Pula is certainly one of the most popular towns in Istria. This vivid city is known for its beauty of the Pula Amphitheater which was built by Emperor Vespasian in the first century. Then, the arena was home to gladiator fights and jousting tournaments.
Poreč, also known as Colonia Julia Parentium, is a beautiful historic town that grew out of an original Roman layout. The must-visit sight of the town is the 6th-century Euphrasius Basilica which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides that, the Poreč Museum, which is located in the Baroque Sinčić Palace, has beautiful archaeological finds from the third century BC. If you wish to explore nearby islands as well, visit St. Nicholas, which is known for its breathtaking beaches.
Besides those mentioned towns, there are many small cities, villages, and islands which certainly deserve your attention – Motovun is an old walled town situated on a hill in the Mirna River Valley, Rabac is a small but popular resort town with beautiful pebble beaches and crystal-clear sea, Brijuni National Park combines natural beauty with exotic animals and interesting architectural sights, while Opatija is an elegant destination with beautiful Lungomare promenade.
Gastronomy Scene
As is already mentioned, Istria is a perfect place for foodies. This beautiful Croatian peninsula combines Mediterranean flavours with interesting local and traditional recipes. Istria is primarily known for its indigenous pasta. Pasutice, ravioli, Istrian lasagne, makaruni, and gnocchi are just a few types of Istrian pasta that can be found in almost every Istrian restaurant. But besides those, the most popular pasta is called fuži.
Fuži is spindle-looking pasta that is combined with numerous sauces, meat, fish, and seafood. It is also amazing in the combination with Istrian truffles (a must-try!). Istrian maneštra has deep roots in the culinary tradition of the peninsula and it presents a typical stew made with potatoes, beans, dry meat, and seasonal vegetables. Fritatta is quite popular in Istria and it is made with eggs, mushrooms, asparagus, and prosciutto, boškarin is a true gastronomy delicacy with specific taste served in the combination with fuži or gnocchi, while ombolo or žlomprt is meat rubbed with salt, paper, and bay leaf, dried for 3 weeks, and served with olive oil, eggs, and bread. Besides all the mentioned, Istria has a beautiful selection of seafood dishes too. Explore all the flavors of beautiful Istria and make sure to indulge in new aromas and interesting nuances!
When it comes to Istrian wines, well, let me just tell you – try Muškat, Malvazija, Teran, and Merlot. Thank me later!
Split
This beautiful and vivid town is a quite popular summer destination for all generations – it combines modernity and vividness with amazingly preserved cultural and historical monuments and buildings. Split is the largest city in the Croatian region of Dalmatia and it is known for its breathtaking old town and Diocletian’s Palace. The Palace, built in the 4th century, is a part of the historic core of the town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. There are many historic sights to see in the city – the Peristyle, Vestibul, The Temple Of Jupiter, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and more.
The Old Town of Split, which surrounds the Diocletian’s Palace, presents an amazing maze of streets and stone-paved lanes with People’s Square, Cambi Palace, Old Town Hall, Chapel of St. Lawrence, and old town clock. But the true beauty of the old town can be found once you get lost in those small narrow streets. There are many bars, restaurants, shops, and corners that will beautifully contribute to those ancient vibes which surround you. Oh, and if you want to have good luck, make sure to touch the toe of the bronze statue of Grgur Ninski!
Besides the cultural and historical beauties of Split, and for a nice stroll, visit Riva Promenade. This is an ideal place where you can find the harmony of ancient vibes with modernity, innovation, and sea beauties. Colourful buildings, palm trees, and the Adriatic sea create a place perfect for strolling, relaxing, and gathering. You can enjoy by the sea or sit in numerous restaurants and bars to indulge in some new flavours and interesting aromas.
If you’re a lover of nature and greenery, visit Marjan Hill. It is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and walking – and it offers stunning views over Split and the surrounding islands!
Oh, and don’t worry – besides all those sights, strolling, and climbing, Split has amazing beaches for relaxation!
Gastronomy Scene
The culinary scene of Split is based on simplicity and rich-in-flavours dishes. Pašticada is a traditional recipe for stewed beef combined with gravy sauce and gnocchi, tingulet is meat simmered in tomato sauce, while samaštrani beef tongue is a traditional Dalmatian recipe which is simply a must-try. In Split, you can try classic but oh, so delicious Mediterranean dishes based on seafood. Brodetto is an amazing fish stew made with mixed fish and seafood, while squids, shrimps, and salted anchovies are popular dishes that can be found in probably every restaurant in the town.
Besides seafood, you can try baked or cooked lamb, cheese in olive oil, Dalmatian prosciutto, and numerous variations of burgers, pizzas, and pasta. Split truly has it all and thanks to its amazing combination of cuisines, everyone’s palate will certainly be satisfied! Besides the mentioned appetizers and main dishes, make sure to try Splitska torta (Split’s cake). This amazing dessert combines walnuts, dried figs, and raisins, while its top is coated with a touch of chocolate.
The wine selection is quite rich too, but 2 of the must-try wines are Dingač and Postup. Dingač is an amazing red wine with bitterish flavours, while Postup has a unique fragrance, aromatic flavours, and recognizable red colour. Oh, and Bogdanuša is a golden-coloured wine with sherry flavourings that will completely seduce your taste buds!
Pelješac
One more Croatian peninsula needs to be mentioned – Pelješac. Pelješac is located in Dalmatia and it is the second-largest peninsula in Croatia (after Istria). It has a great Mediterranean climate which is perfect for growing vines and making amazing and top-quality wines. Besides that, Pelješac is known for its saltworks.
The most popular place on the peninsula is called Ston. Ston has the oldest European saltworks and medieval stone walls. The town has many fortresses, but Veliki Kaštio and Podzvizd certainly stand out because of their amazing views over the town and saltworks.
Orebić is often referred to as the cradle of naval captains and their houses are surrounded by gardens with exotic vegetation. Now, that will surely take your breath away. Orebić also has a maritime museum where you can meet the secrets of the old sea wolves. If you’re looking for the best view, near Orebić is located the highest peak of the peninsula from which you’ll have an outstanding view of the Adriatic sea and the surrounding islands.
Kuna has a Franciscan monastery with the church of Delorita, Trpanj is known for its healing mud and the ruins of a medieval fortress, Potomje is a place of the production of the best red wines in Croatia, while Viganj has a beautiful church of the Lady Ružarica. There are many more small cities, villages, and places that are perfect for exploring and wandering. Pelješac will certainly meet your expectations!
When it comes to Pelješac’s natural beauty, let’s just say it is breathtaking. It has beautiful valleys, endless vineyards and olive groves, craggy mountains, idyllic coves, and spectacular beaches. Pelješac has beautiful sandy and pebble beaches which will give you peace and relaxation, and in the combination with the crystal-clear sea, this peninsula will surely be hard to forget (and leave).
Gastronomy Scene
Pelješac is located in the part of Adriatic which is the richest in fish. That’s why seafood is one of the basic ingredients of their cuisine. The restaurants are mostly focused on traditional dishes with just a bit of touch of modernity and innovation. Grilled fish is one of the most popular dishes of Dalmatia, as well as of this peninsula. Almost every type of fish is suitable to be grilled and in the combination with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, the fish is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Octopus is a classic summer dish in Croatia and due to that, a must-try. It can be prepared as a salad or under peka, while filled or baked squids and shrimps are on the menu of almost every restaurant in Pelješac.
The peninsula is mostly famous due to the shells – mussels and oysters. Mussels are usually prepared on buzara (cooked in water and white wine with classic Mediterranean herbs and seasonings), while oysters are served raw and fresh with just a touch of lemon. Oysters can also be breaded in bread crumbs or baked in the oven. Butarga is a true speciality of the peninsula. It presents a delicious mullet omelette that can be found only in exclusive restaurants and taverns. Meat dishes are less known, but you can certainly enjoy lamb prepared under peka!
Pelješac is known as an excellent wine place – due to that, try Rukatac, a delicious white wine, Plavac mali, one of the most famous Croatian red wines, and the already mentioned Dingač and Postup which are produced on this peninsula. Pelješac is an ideal place for foodies and wine lovers!
Korčula
The Island of Korčula is one of the most beautiful islands of the Adriatic Sea. A mild climate, clean sea, and beautiful historical and cultural heritage make this island one of the favourite destinations in Dalmatia. Korčula has 182 kilometres long coast, 96 bays, and capes, and it is surrounded by 48 islets. Quite a perfect place for exploring!
Korčula Town is a breathtaking picturesque place with medieval walls that surrounds the town. Its Old Town has numerous small and stone-paved streets filled with ancient spirits and beautiful architecture.
Korčula Town Museum is a perfect place to learn more about the island, while The Museum of Marco Polo, through seven scenes evoked by scenography and puppets, and accompanied by an audio guide, shows the life of this adventurer who went to the distant and unknown China in the 13th century. The town is also known for moreška – a battle dance with swords that combines textual, musical, and choreographic elements.
Lumbarda is located near Korčula and it is known for its beautiful sandy beach and vast sandy fields of vineyards, while Žrnovo, besides its cultural and historical sights, is known for its indigenous pasta called žrnovski makaruni.
On the other part of the island is a town called Vela Luka. Vela Luka is an untouched oasis surrounded by olive groves, dense pine forest, and a clear turquoise sea. Vela Spila, which is located on the hill in this town, is 20 000 years old archaeological site where are found some of the starting points of modern civilization. Besides that, Vela Luka has the longest mosaic in the world called Luka mozaika which is built into the main promenade. Every visitor can come to the workshop and make a mosaic with small stones, which will later be placed on the promenade!
The Island of Korčula has many more places which are amazing for exploring – Blato, Čara, Prižba, Prigradica, and other towns and villages hide amazing beauty, culture, and history, as well as beautiful beaches and coves. Make sure to explore and wander!
Gastronomy Scene
Korčula is known for its usage of simple and everyday ingredients which are used to create outstanding dishes. Of course, seafood dishes are the basis of their cuisine. Grilled fish, octopus salad, mussels on buzara, and shrimps are on the menu of probably every restaurant on the island. Risotto is made in two versions, white and black. White risotto presents a creamy combination of rice and seafood such as prawns, shrimps, and shells, while black risotto is a delicacy with rice and cuttlefish which gives the rice that characteristic black colouring.
Brodetto is a classic fish stew served with polenta, while the already mentioned žrnovski marakuni are traditional pasta of the island which is made with beef mange. Lumblija is a traditional sweet bread that is prepared only in Blato and Vela Luka, kotonjata is a quince cheese, while cukarini, klasuni, krokanti, and kroštule are traditional desserts that will seduce your palate and taste buds!
The island of Korčula also has quite delicious wines. Besides the already mentioned Plavac mali and Rukatac, Korčula is known for white wine called Grk. This is an autochthonous wine variety grown on the sandy fields of Lumbarda. The wine is characterized by a rich and harmonious taste with a long, slightly bitter finish. Grk is surely one of the must-try wines of Dalmatia! Besides Grk, try Pošip too! Pošip is an autochthonous white wine grape with golden yellow colour, greenish nuances, and beautiful citrus and apricot aromas, as well as with a touch of Mediterranean herbs.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik or, how it is often referred to, the pearl of the Adriatic, is a beautiful town located in the southern parts of the country and due to its well-preserved old town, Dubrovnik is on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. It has medieval walls, towers, fortresses, buildings, churches, mansions, and streets which are picturesque and attractive and due to that, perfect for wandering.
The Walls of Dubrovnik surround the city and they are approximately 1940 meters long. They were built in the 13th century and have 16 towers and 2 fortresses. The walls are an extraordinary place for a walk while enjoying those ancient vibes. Stradun is the main street of Dubrovnik and it connects eastern and western city gates. It is paved with stone blocks and it has many cultural sights such as the Renaissance Church of the Holy Savior, two Onofrio Fountains, and Franciscan monastery. The Old Town of Dubrovnik is the most popular destination because, besides the mentioned walls, it has Rector’s Palace, Cathedral, Ethnographic Museum Rupe, house of Marin Držić, Orlando’s Column, and many more galleries and museums which offer you to meet the town in the most beautiful way. Besides the town itself, Lokrum, a small island situated around 600 meters from Dubrovnik, is a beautiful destination for a one-day trip – it is covered in olive trees, pines, and cypresses, and it has an amazing botanical garden, monastery, the dead sea, Charlotte’s Well, and more! Dubrovnik is surely an amazing place to be and explore!
Gastronomy Scene
In Dubrovnik, as well as in the rest of Dalmatia, the cuisine is based on the Mediterranean diet. Šporki makaruli is a traditional dish of this town. It amazingly combines pasta with veal or beef and rich-in-flavours sauce. In the past, this dish was prepared for Saint Vlaho, a patron of the city. Konavle green manestra is an autochthonous dish of a small municipality near Dubrovnik called Konvale. The dish presents a stew with a variety of meat, cabbage, kale, potatoes, and horseradish. Oysters are a classic speciality, while Dalmatian prosciutto and Dubrovački sir (Dubrovnik’s cheese) is a great and delicious combination of local ingredients.
Dubrovnik has a wide selection of meat dishes too – from classic mixed grilled meat to veal, lamb, and chicken. Besides these savory nuances, Dubrovačka torta (Dubrovnik’s cake) combines orange, chocolate, and almonds, and it is to die for! Rožata or rožada is a pudding with caramel dressing, while arancini and limuncini are dried candied orange and lemon peel.
When it comes to the wines, Dubrovnik offers the best of Dalmatia – Pošip and Plavac mali. But it also has a wide selection of rakija, a fruit brandy made with pears, plums, grapes, pomegranates, or some other fruit.
Croatia is truly a country of delicious traditional and rich-in-flavours cuisine and indigenous wines. It has something for everyone so every palate will certainly be satisfied!
Of course, there are many more cities, villages, traditions, recipes, and beverages to taste, try, enjoy, and indulge – but those are yours to discover! Just be brave and try some new ingredients, interesting aromas, and unique flavors – meet Croatia with all your senses!